THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 30, 2025 Page 3 Memorial Day 2025 Gold Star Wives receive medals on behalf of late husbands who died from service-connected illnesses By Mark E. Vogler Council Commander Steve Castinetti, retired U.S. Navy, L ast Saturday’s (May 24) Memorial Day observance in Riverside Cemetery ended with the town honoring the widows of two Vietnam War veterans who died of service-connected illnesses years after they returned home. Receiving the Medal of Fidelity – which recognizes sacrifices made by veterans and their families – were Ellen Raitman of Saugus and Maria Sousa of Andover. U.S. Naval Commander Shelby M. Nikitin and Saugus Veterans made the presentations. “The Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity is a state medal awarded to the next of kin of Massachusetts service members who die due to service-connected causes, including combat-related injuries, illnesses and exposure to harmful substances,” Saugus Veterans Services Officer Paul J. Cancelliere told the crowd during the special presentation. “It’s a way for the Commonwealth to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices of these individuals and their families. Massachusetts is the only state that recognizes the sacrifices of families of service members who pass from a service-connected disability,” Cancelliere said. Saugus honored the late Donna Whittemore-Farris – one of its Gold Star Wives – with the state’s new medal last year. She was the widow of U.S. Army veteran Everett Farris, who served in the Vietnam War from February 1966 to February 1969. Whittemore-Farris blamed his death (2010) on exposure to chemicals, which left him paralyzed years after his Vietnam service. He was a decorated veteran who served in the Anti-Tank Company of the 169th Infantry Regiment. In her role as a Gold Star Wife, Whittemore-Farris encouraged other spouses to seek benefits earned from military service, according to Cancelliere. He said that Whittemore-Farris inspired Maria Sousa, one of the latest Medal of Fidelity recipients, to get involved in local Gold Star Wives activities. Sergeant Eugene William MEMORIAL DAY | SEE PAGE 5
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